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Meet TIP’s new Executive Director

Date:

Thursday, September 1, 2016

For the first time in its history, Duke TIP is being led by an alum of our programs. Shawna Young, shown above with Duke University Dean of Undergraduate Studies Steve Nowicki, is a former member of TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search who took over as Executive Director of TIP in July 2016.

She is an example of how TIPsters can use our resources to help them reach their full potential. “I know first-hand how influential Duke TIP was in motivating me to aspire to higher levels of success than I had previously thought possible,” she says. “I want to open those same doors for even more students going forward.”

Young holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Howard University, a master’s degree in science education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master of business administration from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and a certificate in nonprofit management and leadership from Boston University.

At MIT, Young managed the Diversity Initiative at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University. Before her work with MIT, she taught science for several years in public high schools in North Carolina, including Hillside High School in Durham.

Recently, Young served as the executive director of the Office of Engineering Outreach Programs at MIT and has directed the School of Engineering’s outreach programs for talented middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds since 2008.

Now, she’s come full circle, preparing to lead the organization that played such a huge role in her success.

“I find the possibility of providing similar opportunities to thousands of gifted students both inspiring and humbling,” Young said.

Her background aligns perfectly with TIP’s mission: to connect talented students from all backgrounds with the resources to help them succeed. As an experienced leader, she’s ideal for guiding TIP into a new era of growth.